Speakers - 2026

Title: Cognitive analytic therapy in addiction services – supporting treatment and team working

Abstract

Treatment models for addiction are well-established with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sharing a path with traditional models. Synthesis of the 12-step model and CBT model are published but there is little evidence for a relational model of working alongside fellowship models. However, as relational working incorporates relationships, families, culture and wider systems as a way of making sense of what sits underneath addiction behaviours, principles of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) offer a solid framework for working in an addiction service.

Using CAT alongside the 12-step approach enables a helpful relational synthesis. This session will provide an overview of how CAT can be used to support and enhance addiction treatment and how it can be used to support teams to work with the relational procedures that can be activated by treatment programmes.

Audience take away from presentation:

• 1) Understanding of the CAT model 2) It’s use in addiction services to support treatment and team working.
• Application of CAT in the workplace supports traditional models of recovery and support engagement and motivation as well as reducing burnout in the supporting team.